Memphis is the last team I want us to play. It's certainly winnable, like just about any game is. But despite arguments to the contrary by so many on here, this is the absolute worst matchup MSU could have. You've got a team that forces tempo going against a team that allows the tempo to be dictated. You've got an offense that struggles for long stretches going against one of the best defenses in the country. You've got long, quick athletes going against guys who struggle to defend. To win this game, Hansbrough and Stewart will need to play the offensive game of their lives, and Memphis will need to have a woeful shooting night. I think Gordon can hang with Rose defensively, but Anderson will probably be guarding Gordon on the other end, and that pretty well means that Gordon will be a non-factor, unless he can figure out how to get Anderson into foul trouble. State has nobody on the team, or campus for that matter, than can guard Douglas-Roberts. Rhodes will likely neutralize Dorsey pretty well, but Dozier is too fast for Varnado and I could see swat get into early foul trouble trying to guard Dozier or stepping out to try and block Douglas-Roberts' short floaters.
Stansbury needs to play zone all day and hope that Memphis isn't hitting shots. We'll need to defend the high post like we never have, because if we don't, Dozier will live up there and score at will. If we try to run at all, or if we man up, that will not work out very well.
But hey, for everyone who insists that I hate Stans and revel in State losses, I'll be at the Fox and Hound on Sanderlin in my maroon tomorrow. Drop by and say hi.